My main sewing machine is a family heirloom--a Singer from the 30's in a wood cabinet. Betsy can sew forward and reverse, she's solid metal and indestructable! I'd never part with her...but I do get to wishing for a sturdy, portable machine with loads of embroidery stitches so I could do more machine applique. Has anyone done any recent comparisons between brands? What do you love or dread when you sit down at your own sewing machines?

My sewing machine is a Bernina. It doesn't have all the embroidery stitches although there are Bernina machines that have them. What I love is that when I bought the machine it came with all the tools quilters need. Previously, I thought I didn't need to buy a walking foot. I use it more than I ever thought I would. I use it to put my bindings on, when I sew those circle pieces together for a pillowcase and, of course, for straight machine quilting. So whatever you decide on, get a walking foot.

Judy

I have a Bernina 220 that I love, but I just got a Janome 4800 and I am completely in love.

I now have a Bernina 930, old machine I bought when they came out in the 80's. I love that machine, wouldn't trade it for anything. But I would like a new model. But if I was to get another machine it too would have to be a Bernina. They are just the best..

I also have a singer featherweight and an old machine that looks a lot like the featherweight, both in the same time period. 1930's that I wouldn't part with. I just love them. My hubby just refinished the cabinet on the one, and of course I take the featherweight with me where ever I go.

Rita

Thanks for all the sewing machine info! The Bernina does look like an excellent machine from what I've read. I'm definately going to check into that brand name when the time comes to give the old Singer a bit of a breather!

Having owned Bernina's for 25 years I certainly recommend them. It doesn't have to be the BEST-just have what you want. It never hurts to get one that is one step up just so there are no regrets. Everything it does, it does GREAT. Peg

Thank you, Peg. The Activa 240 has caught my eye...I think it might have all the features I'd like to have.

Hi Leslee, I have two Bernina machines and one is the Activa 230. I use it to take to workshops and I love it. I think you would be very happy with an Activa 240.

Minda, I think so too! Now somebody tell old Santa Claus that I've been very VERY good this year !!! :P

Leslee, I'll write Santa a letter on your behalf. :lol:

Hi Leslee,

I had a Singer, Brother, have used a Viking frequently, and now have a Pfaff.

I love the Pfaff and bought it for the variety of stitches, the ability to embroider as well as the IDT, the integrated dual feed technology. All the bells and whistles are great, but I did NOT know that software to create your own embroidery or to do large patterns was an extra $2000! I don't really need it, but it would have been nice to know. Also, when I got it, it was a floor model so there wasn't a book or very much info with it. I had to learn by doing, researching online and badgering the life out of sewing center staff. One thing I really don't like is that the needle threader has broken TWICE - during the embroidery process, the plastic arm has snapped! True, the sewing center did replace it, but they make it seem as if it is my fault.

I understand it can be used with smaller grace frames for machine quilting but have yet to purchase one. If I had to do this purchase over again, I would really do more research and I think find a national brand with a close LOCAL store with ladies who are sewing experts - not just people hired by a company to pitch sales or guys who repair the machines and don't sew. My largest trouble has been not having a manual and the steep learning curve that came with learning embroidery. Hope this helps.

Leslee, I have a Janome 4900 and I do not like it. When fabric becomes stuck in the machine, it is very hard to get the foot plate off in order to get the fabric out of the jam. The screw is in a place that requires a very small screw driver to get it out and it is very difficult to use. The bobbin is always popping out of place and I constantly have to adjust it. It is also very touchy about threading the needle. It has lots of bells and whistles but the problems I am having is just not worth it. Don't buy this Janome!

Minda, is your Bernina the PE "patchwork edition" ? Because I noticed only the machines designed by rocket scientists at Bernina have the stitch regulator and I was wondering if it was something I'd miss. Can you do freehand motion quilting on the 230? I think the stitch regulator's way out of my budget, but I'd love it... :roll:

Lesslie: I have had a Phaff since the 80"s and I have sewed alot and I mean alot on it and it has never needed a repair of any kind. what model do you have? If you email Phaff Co. they could get you a manuel. you could copy my manuel but my machine is much older then yours. I also have a Janome 10001 and paid a fourtune for it I love it but wish I had bought another Phaff instead. I want a machine just for quilting and when I can afford it I will buy another Phaff straight stitch. Since I have been on these lists I have heard so many people complain about the service they get and the rudness of staff. I have been very lucky I havent run into this but if I did the co. would know about it and I would find a new dealer. Chris

Chris, you know that saying about "They don't make 'em like they used to"? I think it more than applies to sewing machines. Those older, all-metal beauties work like champions...it's probably even silly (or lazy!) of me to want something new. I'm so intrigued by all the embroidery stitches the new machines have. My little Singer, "Betsy" is 68 years old but we all know women who love the Featherweights, etc. that're even older and still going strong. Perhaps I should save a few hundred dollars and take a class in hand embroidery???! :P

Lesslee: you gave me my chuckle for the day. I have news for you I have done the hand work and most of it never gets done it takes so long. Another idea is to put feelers out on lists for someone who is going up a step or two in machines and their machines are in wonderful shape. you can get these at a good price and there is always ebay. But keep checking around and you will find what you want. Good luck and don't give up Chris

Leslee, The Bernina 230 does not have a stitch regulator. It's a nice machine to use as a portable. I also have a Bernina with a stitch regulator which I really need. My free motion quilting without the regulator isn't as nice as I think it should be.

Minda

Thanks for the advice, Minda. I'm going to a Bernina shop tomorrow (12/10) and I'm going to ask to test-drive the 240. I've discovered that the stitch regulator is only on the rocket-scientist model with the price tag to match :cry: Oh well. But way up on my list is free-motion quilting so I'll ask lots of questions. Heck, you take a look at my hand stitching, anything's an improvement! :roll:

I have very old sewing machine Fleetwood made in Japan.40 years old but in good condition.It does not have embroidery or zigzag.can I use it for quilting.Feed dogs dont drop fully.

I have a question regarding sewing machines - as I am fairly new to quilting and now need a new sewing machine, should I get a mechanical one or electronic one and what is essential on it that I should look for? :?

I have had several machines and the one i like the best is my Pfaff. I actually have two, an older jeans and satin that does everything, very heavy duty machine, sews heavy items. I traded my 7500 series for a 2144. Yes, it was expensive, but it is worth every penny if you sew a lot. I especially like the dual feed system, (walking foot). IT is the only machine that i know of that you can have the dual feed engaged and still use a quilters guide.

I have never had an issue with service, custormer service is always a phone call or email away.

My suggestion is try them at the store to get exactly what you want. Most sewing centers will take the time and work with you, allow you to sew and try.

Thanks for the advice Pebs, I went off to a sewing machine center this morning for a trial - and came back with a Janome DC3050. Can't wait to use it now but it's a Christmas present for me from my husband so I guess I'll have to wait a while!!

Pauline, we must've been bit by the same bug! The Janomes really wowed me too. I totally overdid it at the local shop and came home with Monstro the Wonder Machine this past Wednesday, the 6600P. If you end up half as thrilled as I am, you'll be bouncing off the walls! You'll love Janome. :D I checked out Viking, Baby Lock, Singer and Bernina and Janome was the one that grabbed me.

Hi. Gals: I was reading your emails and thought I'd add my 2 cents. I had a Phaff for 25 years and this time I bought Janome 10001. I was terrified of it at first and whished I haden't spent so much money, But every day I sit at it after 2 years I find out a new wonderous thing it does. The more I use it the more I love it, so good luck with your machines.. When I told the sales lady after I bought mine that I was afraid of it.. she gave me this advice that I am passing on to you. dont be affraid of it, sit at it as often as you can and play, experiment you cant hurt it and it wont break :wink: its a tough old girl and can take anything you can give it Good Luck Chris

Hi Gayle:
I'm so sorry you aren't getting good service from your dealer and that you don't like your Janome. I wonder if you maybe got the "lemon" that people talk about often when they buy a car that has nothing but problems and becomes a money pit. We once had friends who worked in the car making factories who said all year they would build cars and any defective parts went into a warehouse but at the end of the model year people would order last year model new cars AFTER the new year models came out so the factory maybe wouldn't have all the parts they needed to build the custom last year's model car so they'd go to the "cull parts" warehouse to get the parts needed. Maybe your machine was built at the end of the year. . . Just a thought.

I have a New Home Memory Craft 8000 that I've had for 15 years and I love it...only problem I've had is the light went out and that was expense to replace. I also have a "White" machine that is over 100 years old that my grandmother made her living on as a dressmaker after her husband died back in the late 1800's early 1900's. It still works like a champ.

Last year I bought an inexpensive Brother machine model XR65t ($169.00) with all the embroidery stitches for classes and quilt guild. I LOVE IT. I actually like the look of the embroidery stitches from the Brother better than from my very expensive Memory Craft altho I'm NOT complaining about my Memory Craft. It does a great job, too. I think the New Home/Memory Craft is made by Janome.


What I dread...I'm not good at putting on bias tape or binding on a quilt. I have arthritis so handwork bothers me and when I put bias tape on by machine it always looks like a mess when I'm done. I always dread that part of quilt making and crafts (potholders).

Merry Christmas...keep on sewing.
Randy

I have a 1926 singer, a 1957 singer, a 60's slant needle singer, and a 1970 kenmore. I love them all. They have zig zag and decorative stiches, I have a botton holer, and a monagrammer, I seem to do more straight sewing than anything :D Only thing I need is more time to use them.

I have a 20 year old bernina that I love it is a 1000 special ( now a 1008). And I too would like an additional one with all the bells and whistles. I would love a walking foot and BSR.

After having read all of the verbage regarding sewing machines, I can tell you that I have three, yes three Janome machines. My first one was a basic Janome with appx. 15 stitch modes. My second one was the Janome 6600 Memory Craft. My third one is the Janome Memory Craft Compulock five thread serger. I absolutely love all three! The 6600 came with many different feet and attachments/tools. You can do just about everything with it. The serger is the bomb! It can do everything. However, everyone has their own taste and preference; just as in food, clothing, etc. Therefore, go to many different sewing stores and let them show you what each different brand can to, test drive them yourself, as you would a car before you buy. THEN, decide which brand works best for you BEFORE you buy. Hope this helps. :D :-)

Just came across this post. I, too, have two New Home/Janome MX3123. and a Janome serger. Love them. None were expensive machines. As I don't do the machine embroidery that my friends do, mine have 22 different stitches and some other things. My sewing is mostly straight stitching, well thats my 2 cents. :mrgreen: :)

I did a lot of research before buying my Pfaff last year and I love it :-)

However I did something unusual, mine is an older one, a creative 1471
I bought it off of Ebay from a sewing machine dealer in my state so I could go there if I had to. Hasn't happened yet tho. Mine was totally reconditioned and had a warranty too

A friend who quilts got a new sewing machine from her DH and he went to the store and asked which machine never came in for repairs and that's the one he bought. :-)

You can also get Pfaff manuals on Ebay.

Marybeth

I have a Bernina 200E for sale. It's been serviced and ready for more fun sewing/embroidering. All original attachments and the wheeled carrying case is included. If you're near Houston, TX, the Bernina dealer offers free classes.

If you're interested, please let me know.
The only reason I'm selling it is to help fund my new Bernina 830.

Does your machine come with a straight stitch plate or just the zig zag. I have the 6600 and purchased the straight stitching plate. This should help with your problem, if its available for your machine. :D

You're talking about 2 different types of stitches, applique and embroidery. Unless you go with an all in one you won't get both. If you just want applique (i.e. blanket, heirloom, alaphbet, etc.) I just purchased a 6600 which I adore.

If you want embroidery, Janome has a 11000 or there's 2 Husqvarna's(sp?) the Diamond big $$$ and the Designer Less $$. The Janome 11000 is still less $$$ than the other 2.

Do you really want embroidery or just a lot of decorative stitches? It actually depends on what you want. I personally just went through all of this approx. a month ago and it was mind-boggling.

Also, Janome is coming out with a new machine that is going to replace the 6600 in May. Looks like it has a lot more, yet! This is a good time to pick-up a 6600 at a good price!!! You know, getting rid of stock!!! :lol: :lol:

I have the Bernina 1230; an older machine but I love it. I will never own another brand. I did have to buy a walking foot because it didn't come with one, but that purchase has been invaluable. Definately get a walking foot. As far as machines, I have my eye on the Bernina 830. When I win the lottery I'm gonna get me one!! HaHa

Just added a Brother SQ 9000 to my collection of machines...he he that brings me to 3. Now keep in mind the new Brother machine isn't expensive and doesn't have all the bells & whisles but it had just about everything I wanted in a machine.So far just in playing around w/ it this weekend I think I am going to like it.

I use a plain old straight stitch Singer for my piecing, but a few years back I was involved with a barter group and got a New Home Memory Craft 7000 that I love too. (since I traded it for stuff I didn't want, it was essentially FREE!)Then I came across an antique New Home treadle...still has the manual, attachments and warranty paper...and it looks like the belts have never even been turned - don't think it has ever been used. The cabinet is also in excellent condition..the only thing missing is the box cover, but since it has a swing cover it is nicely stored away...only paid $200 for it....of course, it is just a piece of beautiful furniture...hate
to be the first to actually sew on it!